That’s why the author begins with the word “therefore”. He wants us to call to mind what was just said. Consider this, you and I are surrounded by heroes, by champions. This isn’t the back yard where you toss a ball around with your friends…it’s the NFL, and you are standing with people who have dedicated their lives to excellence. Not only that, but the franchise you are part of has won many, many Super Bowls…general consensus is that this team is great because everyone gives 100%, and all work as a team. When the coach signals you onto the field, what will you do? Walk out with your head down, dragging your feet? Or run into position with fire in your eyes?
Use any example that you want, this is the message that the author is trying to relay. Put forth your best effort, because there are many who have come before you who have done the same and won victory in spite of incredible odds. The thing about Christianity is you can’t predict the outcome based on current events. God has a habit of turning events on their head so that the weaker person wins, and the one who was being beaten (or eaten) becomes the next ruler.
So if your life has become difficult, don’t despair. If God has allowed difficulty, don’t give up or lose hope. The one who placed you in these circumstances will see you victorious in the end.
Verse 14: “Those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” This is a call to seek after purity. A call to be obedient. Without obedience, we cannot remain in Christ.
Okay, two mountains are mentioned here. Sinai, where the law was given is mentioned first. You will remember that only Moses could ascend, and he came down with strict laws and dietary restrictions. Every detail had to be followed to the letter. Staying in contact with God was difficult and convoluted. God appeared as a ruler, a judge. Then we have Mount Zion, inside the city of Jerusalem, where the Temple was built, and the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It was here that the priests practiced their craft day after day, year after year. But when Christ died on the cross, the curtain inside the temple was torn in two, from the top to the bottom (so it wasn’t by human hands). This signifies that God is accessible to His people. In Jesus we see a friend, a brother who loves us, forgives us and shows compassion on us. Some of the strict rules could still be followed…most are gone. And the ones that remain are now not oppressive at all. We have been set free from the guilt of sin at Mount Zion. That was something that Mount Sinai couldn’t do. Sinai called attention to the fact that we were sinners, and Zion sets us free from sin. The motivation of Sinai was guilt and fear. The motivation of Zion is love and compassion. Pretty cool, right?
Marching to Zion,
PR